[Okinawa Churaumi Foundation] Health fluctuations of endangered false killer whales off the coast of Hawaii elucidated; joint research results from Okinawa Churaumi Foundation and others published in international academic journal

The Okinawa Churaumi Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Okinawa Churaumi Foundation) has published a joint research paper on wild false killer whales inhabiting the coast of Hawaii in the journal "Endangered Species Research." This research was conducted in collaboration with the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) and the Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa.

This study was conducted with the aim of conserving the false killer whale population in Hawaiian coastal waters, which is considered endangered, and revealed significant fluctuations in their health status.

A 3D scan data collection of false killer whales at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

Background and Objectives of the Study

False killer whales inhabiting the coast of Hawaii are experiencing a decline in population, and long-term conservation is required. Marine mammals are susceptible to the effects of environmental changes, and continuous monitoring and health assessment are considered important. This study aimed to accurately assess the health status of wild individuals by utilizing high-precision data obtained from captive individuals to analyze the condition of wild individuals.

Research Content

This research was conducted as a seven-year international joint study. In the study, body shape data was collected from false killer whales kept at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium using 3D scanning and drone photography. This enabled the precision correction of photogrammetry data obtained by drones, using the known body size information from 3D scans as a reference. As a result, it became possible to reconstruct the body size and shape of wild individuals with high accuracy, even from images taken only from above. Furthermore, by applying the data obtained from these captive individuals to wild individuals, it became possible for the first time to accurately grasp the body shape of wild individuals. The study also confirmed that the current population of the target wild individuals is less than 140, with an average annual decrease of approximately 3.5%. Factors such as deteriorating nutritional status and environmental changes are suggested as underlying causes. By utilizing the reference data obtained from captive individuals, it is now possible to more accurately assess the health and nutritional status of wild individuals, which is expected to greatly contribute to future conservation and management efforts.

Significance of this Research

A key feature of this research is the application of precise data obtained from captive individuals to the analysis of wild individuals. This has made it possible to assess the health status of wild individuals, which are difficult to observe, with high accuracy.

Future Outlook

The Okinawa Churaumi Foundation will continue to promote the healthy management and data accumulation of marine life in captivity, strengthen collaboration with overseas research institutions, and contribute to the global conservation of marine life.

Paper Title

Body condition differs among social clusters and across years in endangered false killer whales in Hawai‘i

Journal Name

Endangered Species Research

Paper Link

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01505

Related Links

・Link to the relevant paper introduction on the University of Hawaii website (English) https://www.mmrphawaii.org/post/new-publication-are-hawai%CA%BBi-s-false-killer-whales-consuming-enough-food

・Pacific Whale Foundation website (English) https://pacificwhale.org/

About the Okinawa Churaumi Foundation The Okinawa Churaumi Foundation is an organization that manages and operates park facilities that leverage Okinawa's rich natural and cultural resources, including the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Ocean Expo Park, and Shuri Castle Park, under the management philosophy of "Bringing the brilliance of the beautiful islands to all people (Umanchu)." Through its General Research Institute, the foundation promotes specialized research, technological development, and educational outreach activities related to subtropical flora and fauna and marine life. At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, based on the long-term captive breeding of diverse marine life, the foundation continuously conducts research on physiology, reproduction, and health management, and works to improve animal welfare and conserve marine life by utilizing the scientific data accumulated in captivity.